2 hours ago, Pauley said:

I understand the fixation part.  I was standing and watching him turn, and if he came to a spot were there was a nick in the wood, he would stay at that mark to take it away.  I had him stop the lathe so I could explain to him why he shouldn’t do that.  He seemed to understand it.  He made that rocket (as it stands right now) pretty straight down the 14 inch long piece of maple.  That’s something I still struggle with.  I told him and I got a rare smile from him.  His mom later told me he was so excited about working with me in my shop and using the lathe.  

BRAVO.......................

Mulberry crotch bowl. One coat of Tried and True.

You managed some nice feathers in that one.  Very nice.

41 minutes ago, kreisdorph said:

Mulberry crotch bowl. One coat of Tried and True.

Love the shape!

I cut down a large walnut a couple of weeks ago. I took a section and cut some blanks. I turned the bottom and it was looking pretty good. Then when turning the inside, I cut through the bottom. That's one of my biggest flaws I need to work on. Anyway, the wood and my time are free so I'll spin another one up!

 

6 minutes ago, kreisdorph said:

Then when turning the inside, I cut through the bottom

Bummer. Little scary if pieces went flying. Nice assortment of blanks waiting in the wings though.

kreisdorph-

 

Do you have - and use - a set of calipers? I have several different sizes and shapes. They will help you develop a sense about thickness from visual cues. Really a worthwhile purchase.

Mostly it just fell to the ground. I keep the speed under 1,000 RPMs for that reason.

 

This is the tree. I think it's about 22" at the base. I took that piece from about 20-25 ft from the base.

 

Edited March 20, 20242 yr by kreisdorph

Just now, teesquare said:

kreisdorph-

 

Do you have - and use - a set of calipers? I have several different sizes and shapes. They will help you develop a sense about thickness from visual cues. Really a worthwhile purchase.

 

I have basic calipers, yes. It's more a situational awareness thing, I think. Just not paying enough attention to the thickness when I'm working the bottom.

51 minutes ago, kreisdorph said:

I cut down a large walnut a couple of weeks ago. I took a section and cut some blanks. I turned the bottom and it was looking pretty good. Then when turning the inside, I cut through the bottom. That's one of my biggest flaws I need to work on. Anyway, the wood and my time are free so I'll spin another one up!

 

That's some pretty walnut! Squirrels were busy all those years ago.

 

Here is a link to a shop made jig for measuring the thickness of the bottom of a turning. It is pretty slick because it takes into account the height of the chuck jaws and the depth of a mortice.

 

Starting at about 1:15

 

 

I made one of those jigs.  It works great.

I have a similar one all in wood. Don't use it anymore as I have made other jigs. The trick is make a couple cuts and measure, couple cuts and measure. If you develop this as a habit you will make far fewer funnels.

Turning to add to my stock. Yesterday was biscuit cutters. And painting my new Bell character tops. 

 

8 minutes ago, Gerald said:

Turning to add to my stock. Yesterday was biscuit cutters. And painting my new Bell character tops. 

 

Awesome paint schemes, @Gerald

22 minutes ago, Gerald said:

Turning to add to my stock. Yesterday was biscuit cutters. And painting my new Bell character tops. 

Most excellent Gerald!  What specific color, brand is that darker green "emerald" paint or dye (3rd top from left)? I love that color.

9 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Most excellent Gerald!  What specific color, brand is that darker green "emerald" paint or dye (3rd top from left)? I love that color.

It is Gourd Master Metallic ink from Wellburn Farms. Very easy to use. Comes in small bottles.

Wellburn Gourd Farm

I had my first blowout yesterday. I've been turning off and on for about two years. It was a piece of spalted hickory. I got a little too thin on the bottom and it busted out while I was trying to remove the tenon.

1 hour ago, User74 said:

I got a little too thin on the bottom and it busted out while I was trying to remove the tenon.

 

Looks like you got a big ol knot right in the center of that 74.

1 hour ago, User74 said:

I had my first blowout yesterday. I've been turning off and on for about two years. It was a piece of spalted hickory. I got a little too thin on the bottom and it busted out while I was trying to remove the tenon

Too bad. That was some mighty fine looking hickory. Appreciate you sharing the bad with the good though. 

22 minutes ago, John Morris said:

 

Looks like you got a big ol knot right in the center of that 74.

That is actually the center. I turned it on the end grain.